Can't Smile With (or Without) You

Okay, I have to admit this one caught me by surprise.

Here is a headline from USA Today on-line: "Four States Adopt 'No Smilies' Policy for Drivers' Licenses".

Huh?

In an attempt to cut down on drivers' license, fraud, you are no longer allowed to smile for your license photos in Arkansas, Indiana, Nevada and Virginia. Or, at least, not smile very much.

I thought it was only the Motor Vehicle Department employees who were not allowed to smile?!?!?

According to an About.com search, smiling is (as I thought) a good thing:

* smiling makes us more attractive (may help with a speeding ticket)
* smiling releases endorphins, natural painkillers and serotinin
* smiling lowers your blood pressure
* smiling changes our mood
* smiling relieves stress

In their defense, the Illinois Head of Drivers Services says that 6000 people have been stopped from getting fraudulent licenses since 1999. Of the likely MILLIONS of people who have gotten their licenses, they have caught 6000.

Given those odds, I am choosing to continue to smile, and hope that New Hampshire does not follow suit.

I hope that you greet this day with a smile.

“Smile, it is the key that fits the lock of everybody's heart.”
(Anthony J. D'Angelo)

Excellent quote Anthony. Just don't try to smile next time you are getting your driver's license at the DMV.

They appear to have changed the locks.